Gov't to revise harvesting fees for indigenous products
Goitsemodimo Kaelo | Tuesday October 31, 2023 06:00
With harvesters having to fork out P115 monthly for the permit to harvest grass, the minister recently admitted to Ntlo Ya Dikgosi that she is aware of concerns by grass harvesters over the fee.
However, she said the ministry is implementing the revised user fees from the Presidential Directive CAB 7 (A) with reference to the veldt products. The minister said amongst these products being phane, thatching grass, indigenous poles, sengaparile and firewood.
"It is pleasing though, to note with appreciation that the Directive makes provisions for utilisation only to citizen of Botswana," she said. According to the revised fee structure, harvesting permit will cost P5 while dealers will get the permit for P110.
Export permit will now cost P2,200. "Mr Chairman, local communities are allowed to take harvesting permit only for thatching grass at P5.00; if there is going to be dealings with the products, that’s when a dealer's permit is required at a fee of BWP110.00," she emphasized.
Furthermore, the minister explained that the permit validity period of a month is meant to regulate the use of veldt products and guard against over exploitation of natural resources.
Additionally, she said the validity period is informed by the resource base and the rate at which these resources are exploited. The minister was responding to a question asked by Kgosi Rancholo of the Tutume region.
Rancholo had wanted to know whether the minister is aware that there is a concern from grass harvesters regarding the permit fee of P115 which is renewable every month thus making it difficult for them to afford it, and if so, whether she will consider coming up with an affordable once off fee which will be valid for a period of three months, as opposed to the monthly subscription.
Meanwhile, the Assistant Minister of Health Sethomo Lelatisitswe, said he is not aware of 200 people who harvest grass 20 kilometres from Nata without access health facilities. However, the minister said his ministry provides healthcare services in the gazetted settlements including mobile stops at the cattle posts. He explained that in such instances, the Kgosi can liaise with the local DHMT to address the situation.
His response followed another question by Kgosi Rancholo who asked the minister if he is aware that there are more than 200 people who harvest grass 20 kilometres from Nata and are without health facilities with the nearest being in Nata and that this poses a health risk; and if so, how he intends to address the situation.